Launderable foldup device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a convertible cushion that may be used as a blanket in an unfolded configuration or used as a cushion or bed in a folded configuration. One use of such a device relates to a fully washable pet bed. When folded, the convertible cushion may be used by a pet as a bed. When unfolded, the convertible cushion may be used as a blanket. Additionally, the device is constructed of material that is fully washable so that it may be washed in a typical household washing machine when in the unfolded position and fully cleaned. 
     For some configurations, the convertible cushion may further be used in a pocketbook mode, a backpack mode, and a sleeping bag mode (by combining two or more convertible cushions).

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is a continuation in part to application Ser. No.13/149,879, filed 31 May 2011, which claims priority to provisionalapplication 61/349,818, filed on 29 May 2010, and to provisionalapplication 61/351,584, filed on 4 Jun. 2010, and is further acontinuation in part to application Ser. No. 29/571,710, filed 21 Jul.2016, of which the entire contents of all such references are herebyincorporated herein by this reference for all that they disclose for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates the novel ornamental and utilitarianfeatures of a device that can be securely folded using an attachmentdevice and unfolded for various purposes including cleaning purposes.Such a device may be used for a plurality of purposes including a petbed, pet crate mat, pet blanket, travel blanket, a seat cover for a petto lie on. Such a device can be used by humans as a portable cushion,pillow, blanket, backpack, and a collapsible chair support cushion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many multipurpose foldup blankets and similar devices are known and aretypically used by people during outdoor activities such as picnics,beach trips, and camping trips. While many such devices work for theirintended purpose, they have their issues. On major drawback of suchdevices is that they are not easily cleaned and their uses are limited.One use of a fold up blanket is for a pet bed. Many differentconfigurations of pet bed devices are known, however, such prior artdevices are constructed in a manner that does not provide for completelylaundering the entire device in a household washer and dryer. Some priorart devices have removable covers that may advertise themselves aswashable, but the inside of such devices is not easily cleaned.Additionally, portions of such multi-piece devices may become separatedand lost. Still other prior art pet beds are simply constructed ofhypo-allergenic material and/or odor resistant materials such as woodchips while others use water-resistant beds and are cleaned by squirtingthem with water from a water hose. Such prior art pet beds are noteasily completely cleaned, particularly the inside portions, and as aresult, the inside becomes smelly and increasingly unsanitary over time.

Another problem with such prior art pet bed devices relates toreassembly after cleaning. Putting the pet bed cover back on a pet bed(the ones with removable covers) is often cumbersome and awkward and issimilar to putting a pillow case cover on a pillow that is too large forthe pillow case.

Regarding foldup blankets used by humans, the utility of such devicesare typically limited to a few functions. Some are configured withpockets and handles so that they can be used to transport items whiletraveling to a location and then, once such location is reached, used asa blanket by removing the items and unfolding the device. While suchdevices work well for their intended purposes, there utilitarian valueis limited.

What is needed are foldup devices with novel design and utilitarianfeatures that can have many uses such as pet beds, pillows, blankets,backpack, seat cushion with support features for use with foldup chairs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be setforth in the following description, while other objects and advantagesof the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is toprovide a one-piece convertible cushion device that is suitable for useas a pillow, bed, and blanket for animals. (e.g. dogs, cats, humansetc.). The convertible cushion is defined by a blanket material thatdefines a geometric figure such as a rectangle. An attachment device isassociated with half the parameter of one side of the blanket materialand across the width of the blanket material at the approximate centerline. One suitable attachment device is a zipper. For such embodiment,by folding the blanket material a first time, so that the sidesassociated with an attachment device are adjacent to sides with noattachment device, and then folding the device a second time so that thesides with no attachment devices are inside the folded blanket material,the attachment device may be used to secure the folds together therebyforming a cushion. When the attachment device is a zipper, theconvertible cushion is secured in place by zipping the folds togetherthereby defining a pillow-like device/bed. By unzipping, the convertiblecushion becomes a blanket-like device. Additionally, when unzipped, thedevice can be put into a standard home washing machine and thoroughlycleaned as the entire convertible cushion, not just parts, isconstructed from materials that are fully launderable. Thus, if onewishes to use the device as a blanket, simply unzip and unfold. If onewishes to use the device as a bed or pillow, simply fold and zip.

For another embodiment, the convertible device has a backing materialassociated with a cushioning material. For one piece configurations, thetwo materials are mechanically associated together by means such asthread (i.e. the two pieces are sewed together). For this embodiment,the blanket is configured as described above except a cushioningmaterial is associated with at least part of one side of the blanketmaterial. For one configuration, the cushioning material is associatedwith half of one side of the backing material. Additionally, theattachment device is disposed around the parameter of the cushioningmaterial so that when the convertible cushion is folded and zipped, thecushioning material is on the outside of the convertible cushion.

For yet another embodiment, the convertible device includes a backingmaterial and cushioning material, as described above, with the additionof a cover-section. For this embodiment, the portion of the backingmaterial not associated with a cushioning material defines a splitseparating such section into two equal portions. The cover-section iseither associated with one such portion or one such portion is made of alonger section of backing material (making the cover-section integral tothe convertible cushion). For such embodiment, the attachment deviceattaches two sides of the folds leaving one side open forming a pocket.One of the inter folds is defined by the cover-section and is pulled outof such pocket thereby allowing such cover-section to be used as a coveras an animal lies on the convertible pillow.

For yet another embodiment, the convertible cushion device is configuredto be used by humans for a cushion or blanket. For such a configuration,the convertible cushion is configured as before but the cushioningmaterial is constructed from a material configured to provide extrapadding for sitting confront. As described above, the device may beconfigured with acover-section. Additionally, one section of theconvertible cushion is associated with two straps allowing theconvertible cushion to form a backpack defining an inner void forcarrying items. For such embodiment, the cover-section is used to helpsecure items inside the inner-void.

For yet another embodiment, an outer surface of the backing component isconfigured with a pocket for receiving a removable support structuresuch as a board. For such embodiment, the convertible cushion is used asa cushion and the removable support structure is preferably suitable fordefining a support surface and elevating the cushion section at distanceabout equal to the removable board above the support surface. For oneembodiment, the convertible cushion is sized to fit in the seat of acollapsible chair to provide a better sitting surface.

Such devices are preferably constructed from durable fabric andmaterials and associated by durable stitching designed to keep theinside matting in place so it doesn't bunch up and get lumpy whenlaundered. Such a configuration provides for a convertible cushion thatwill stay uniform across the entire surface of the cushion. Thedimensions of the device are user selectable and can be selected to fitin a standard sized pet crate.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forthin the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilledin the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should befurther appreciated that modifications and variations to thespecifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or featureshereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of thisinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtueof the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but arenot limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced ordiscussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal ofvarious features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to beunderstood that different embodiments, as well as different presentlypreferred embodiments, of this invention may include variouscombinations or configurations of presently disclosed features orelements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features orparts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures orstated in the detailed description). Those of ordinary skill in the artwill better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, andothers, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aconvertible cushion being used as a pet bed;

FIG. 2a is the view of FIG. 1 without the pet;

FIG. 2b is a top plan view of the convertible cushion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2c is a side view of the convertible cushion of FIG. 2b partiallyzipped;

FIG. 2d is a back side view of the convertible cushion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevated perspective view a first side of the unfoldedconvertible cushion of FIG. 1 showing a second soft portion disposed onand associated with part of a first canvas portion;

FIG. 3b is the view of FIG. 3 with dimension markers;

FIG. 4 is a front elevated perspective view of a second side of theunfolded convertible cushion of FIG. 1 showing first portion making upthe entire back side of the convertible cushion;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the convertible cushion of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a partially zipped convertiblecushion comprising strap connections associated with a shoulder strap;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a partially zipped convertiblecushion comprising backpack shoulder straps;

FIG. 8 is a front elevated view of a first side of the unfoldedconvertible cushion of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a prior art collapsible chair;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a convertible cushion configure with a supportboard;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a convertible cushion configured with asupport board associated with the collapsible chair of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a convertible cushion configured with asupport board associated with the collapsible chair of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an unfolded convertible cushion wherein firstportion is divided into two sections with one section providing ablanket function;

FIG. 14 is an elevated perspective view of the ornamental features ofone alternative embodiment thereof where the bed is folded;

FIG. 15 is an elevated perspective view of a first surface of anunfolded bed thereof;

FIG. 16 is an elevated perspective view of a second opposing surfaceshowing a pocket at the first end and first attachment elements at theopposing second end thereof;

FIG. 17 is a first side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 18 is a second side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 19 is a first end elevation view thereof;

FIG. 20 is a second end elevation view thereof;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the first surface thereof;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the second surface thereof; and

FIG. 23 is an elevated perspective view of the second surface of FIG. 16where the pocket at is more open showing second attachment elementsthereunder.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specificationand appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogousfeatures or elements of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, andaspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determinedfrom the following detailed description. Repeat use of referencecharacters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elementsor steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodimentsonly, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

Construction Aids

For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanicallyassociated” by bringing them together or into relationship with eachother in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physical“releasable connections” (snaps, screws, Velcro®, bolts, etc.—generallyconnections designed to be easily and frequently released andreconnected without the need of a tool), “hard-connections” (welds,rivets, macular bonds, generally connections that one does notanticipate disconnecting very often if at all and that generally needsto be “broken” to separate perhaps using a tool), and/or “moveableconnections” (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.).

Unless otherwise stated, integral means to be part of the whole and mustbe “broken” to be separated from the whole.

For the purposes of this document, unless otherwise stated, the phrase“at least one of A, B, and C” means there is at least one of A, or atleast one of B, or at least one of C or any combination thereof (not oneof A, and one of B, and one of C).

This document includes headers that are used for place markers only.Such headers are not meant to affect the construction of this document,do not in any way relate to the meaning of this document nor should suchheaders be used for such purposes.

While the particulars of the present invention and associated technologymay be described for use with dogs, the invention may be adapted for usewith any type of animal or pet. Additionally, such device may further beused as a blanket/pillow for humans.

FIG. 1 presents a top perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aconvertible cushion (10) being used by a pet (9) as a bed/cushion.Similarly, FIG. 2 shows the same configuration not in use. For suchexemplary configuration, convertible cushion (10) is folded and fullysecured by an attachment device (14), a zipper. Any suitable attachmentdevice (14) may be used without departing from the scope of theinvention including zippers, magnets, hook and loop, buttons, and snaps.In FIG. 1, convertible cushion (10) is folded and zipped defining amultiple layered pillow-like bed. Such attachment device make amechanical connection that is, by definition, in this document, aconnection that does not require a tool to separate.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d , for the zipped configurationof FIG. 1, as best seen in FIG. 2c presenting a partially unzippedconvertible cushion, first portion (11) defines at least part of theinner folds while an outer surface of second portion (12) (described inmore detail below) defines at least part of the exterior surface (13) ofconvertible cushion (10). FIG. 2a presents a side view depicting an“upper” and “lower” second portion (12) associated together byattachment device (14). FIG. 2b is a top plan view showing an outersurface of second portion (12) defining the entire top side of exteriorsurface (13) (“top” as oriented in the figure). Similarly, FIG. 2d showsa back side view showing an outer surface of second portion (12)defining the entire back side of exterior surface (13). Thus, for thecurrently preferred embodiment, at least part of the outer surface ofsecond portion (12) defines substantially all of exterior surface (13)of convertible cushion (10). It will be appreciated by one of ordinaryskill in the art that first portion (11) and second portion (12) may beof different sizes including outer perimeters.

As will be described later, alternative embodiments include convertiblecushion (10) embodiments with no second portion and second portions thatare different in size compared to the first portion. For suchalternative embodiment, a section of the surface of first portion (11)defines the exterior surface (13). Similarly, embodiments whereconvertible cushion (10) comprises a plurality of portions where anyportion may define at least part of the exterior surface (13), dependingon the way the convertible cushion is folded, fall within the scope ofthe invention.

When convertible cushion (10) is configured with a second portion (12),such second portion is preferably configured to define at least part ofexterior surface (13) in the zipped configuration (as shown in FIGS.2a-2d ) and its outer surface is preferably constructed from a firstsoft material, pleasing to the touch, such as high quality upholsteryfabrics, cotton, polyester, sueded silk, sueded cotton and or similarsueded fabrics such as a microfiber plush fabrics resembling the softsuede, but more durable, resistant to liquid, stains and crushing.

For embodiments comprising a second portion (12), FIG. 3 presents anelevated perspective view of the multiple layer side of convertiblecushion (10) in an unfolded configuration showing one edge of firstportion (11) associated with one edge of the second portion (12). Thisside is called the “multilayer” side as such side comprises both thefirst portion (11) layer and second portion (12) layer. FIG. 4 presentsan elevated perspective view of the back, single layer side, ofconvertible cushion (10) showing only the exterior surface of firstportion (11). FIG. 5 presents an exploded view of FIG. 3.

For the currently preferred embodiment, first portion (11) defines anouter shell with lightweight padding material disposed inside suchshell. For such configuration, the surfaces of first portion (11) defineat least one protective layer and is preferably made from a durablematerial such as canvas and GORE-TEX®s that is washable while providinga fortified fluid resistant shell configured to deliver a reliable,lightweight, seam sealed, breathable layer.

As best seen in FIG. 3b and FIG. 5, while first portion (11) may beconfigured so that the perimeter of first portion (11) defines anygeometric figure, the perimeter of first portion (11) defines arectangle having a length equal to L and a width equal to W. As shown inFIG. 3, a second portion (12) is disposed on the surface of andassociated with half of first portion (11). Consequently, second portion(12) has a length equal to L and a width equal to W/2. Thus, if thefirst portion is 30 inches long (i.e. L=30 inches) and 15 inches wide(i.e. W=15 inches), second portion (12) is 30 inches long and 7.5 incheswide.

In an attempt to make describing the different sections of convertiblecushion (10) easier to describe, FIG. 3 depicts imaginary line 16 whichdivides convertible cushion (10) into two equally sized sections, firstsection 20 and second section 22. Similarly, imaginary line 18 (FIG. 3)further divides such sections into first section 20 a, first section 20b, second section 22 a, and second section 22 b. Thus, the area definedby the perimeter of first portion (11) is equal to the area defined bythe perimeter of first section 20 plus the area defined by the perimeterof second section 22 as first portion (11) runs the entire length andwidth of convertible cushion (11). The area defined by the perimeter ofsecond portion (12) is simply the area defined by the perimeter ofsecond section 22.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the second portion (12) is associated with, anddisposed adjacent to, first portion (11) so that corners (11 a-11 d) areadjacent to corners (12 a-12 d) respectively. Similarly, attachmentdevice (14) is mechanically associated with the perimeter of secondportion (12) so that corners (14 a-14 d) are adjacent to corners (12a-12 d) respectively. As noted above, for the currently preferredembodiment, attachment device (14) is a zipper. As best seen in FIG. 3and FIG. 4, attachment point (14-ze) marks the ending point of thezipper (i.e. where the zipper stops when convertible cushion (10) isfolded and fully zipped). Notably, attachment Point (14-ze) furthermarks the center of convertible cushion (10) when in the unfoldedconfiguration. Similarly, attachment point (14-zb) marks the beginningpoint of zipper (14). Thus, starting at attachment point (14-zb), zipper(14) runs along the perimeter edge (14-f) of portion (22 b) andcontinues along perimeter edge section (14-rs) of portion 22 b and toattachment point 14-ze. Similarly, starting at attachment point (14-zb),zipper (14) runs in the opposite direction as before along the perimeteredge (14-f) of portion (22 a) and continues along perimeter edge section(14- 1s) of portion (22 a) and to back to attachment point (14-ze).

Such attachment device (14) may further define a fluid replant flap suchas a Velcro® storm flap that help keeps fluid from reaching the interfolds via zipper 14. Additionally, attachment device (14) may define atwo-way zipper (can be zipped closed or zipped open in either direction.

As will be described below, for the above convertible cushion (10)configuration, the convertible cushion is folded twice and zipped toform a cushion.

For one alternative embodiment, attachment device (14) simply runs alongthe perimeter of the unfolded convertible cushion (10) (i.e. theperimeter of first portion (11)). For such a configuration, convertiblecushion (10) is only folded once and zipped.

Folding

When unfolded as shown in FIG. 3, convertible cushion (10) defines ablanket. The method of folding convertible cushion (10) to from abed/cushion is now presented.

First, the convertible cushion (10) if folded along imagery line (16,FIG. 3) so that first portion (11) makes up one side of the outersurface and second portion (22) makes up the opposing side of the outersurface. Second, the folded convertible cushion (10) is folded again,this time along imagery line (18, FIG. 3) so that second portion (12)makes up the outer surface of both sides and first portion (11) makes upthe inner folds (see FIG. 2c ). Third, attachment device (14) is used tosecure the opposing sides of second portion (12) together therebysecuring the first portion (11) inside defining inner folds. Stateddifferently, for the current embodiment, attachment device (14) is azipper, thus, zipper (14) is zipped along three sides of a properlyfolded convertible cushion thereby enclosing the first portion (11)inside (inter folds) convertible cushion (10) as depicted in FIG. 2a -2d.

Plurality of Attachment Devices

As noted above, the perimeter of second portion (12) is associated withan attachment device (14) so that when the convertible cushion (10) isin the fully zipped configuration, the outer surface of second portion(12) defines the outer surface of convertible cushion (10). For onealternative embodiment, attachment device (14) is associated with theperimeter of first portion (11) that defines first section (20, FIG. 3).As noted above, and as depicted in FIG. 3, first section (20) isadjacent to second portion (12) (and second section (22)). For such aconfiguration, the convertible cushion (10) may be folded and secured byattachment device (14) so that the outer surface of convertible cushion(10) is defined by at least part of first portion (11). Here, secondportion (12) defines the inner folds (soft inner folds).

Additionally, one alternative embodiment may include both attachmentdevice configurations so that convertible cushion (10) may be folded intwo different ways. The first way would cause at least part of the outersoft surface of second portion (12) to define the outer surfaceconvertible cushion (10). The second way would cause at least part ofthe outer canvas like surface of first portion (11) to define the outersurface of convertible cushion (10) with the interior folds beingdefined by soft second portion (12).

Extensions

For yet another alternative embodiment, at least part of anextension-attachment-device (14) may be associated with a perimeter edgeof either first portion (11) or second portion (12). Suitableembodiments of an extension-attachment-device (14) are the same as forattachment device (14). For such configuration, theextension-attachment-device (14) is configured for being associated withthe extension-attachment-device (14) of a similarly configured secondconvertible cushion (10) thereby doubling the size of the combinedconvertible cushion. For one such configuration, the length, L, (FIG. 3b) is about 6.5 feet so that two convertible cushions may be associatedtogether using their respective extension-attachment-devices (14) toform a sleeping bag.

Similarly, by associating a second extension-attachment-device (14) tothe opposing perimeter of the convertible cushion (10) (i.e. opposingsides are associated with an extension-attachment-device), a pluralityof convertible cushions (10) may be associated together to make ablanket or sleeping bag of any width.

Carrying Bag/Backpack Convertible Cushion

Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, two additional alternative views arepresented. For FIG. 6, two strap connectors are added to the convertiblecushion (10). Strap connector 24 and 26 are configured for beingmechanically associated with a strap, such as a shoulder strap, suitablefor carrying convertible Cushion (10) as one might carry a pocketbook.As depicted in FIG. 6, when attachment device is only zipped along twosides of the convertible cushion (10), a void (23) is defined by thefolded and partially zipped device. As depicted in FIG. 6, attachmentdevice (14) further defines strap connector 26. Similarly, strapconnector 24 is associated with the outer surface of convertible cushion(10) at attachment end point (14-ze) so that when the attachment device(14) is partially zipped around two sides as depicted in FIG. 6, strapconnector 24 and strap connector 26 are position at opposing ends of theconvertible cushion (10). By associating strap 28 to such strapconnectors, the convertible cushion (10) may be used as a typicalpocketbook or carrying bag. For example, when convertible cushion (10)is used as a pet bed for a puppy, the puppy may be placed in void 23 andcarried using convertible cushion (10) while walking. When the pet isready to use convertible cushion (10) as a bed, strap (28) is stowedinside void 23 and the attachment device (14) fully engaged forming acompletely secured pet bed as depicted in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, another alternative embodiment ofthe device is presented comprising “backpack” type shoulder straps. Forsuch a configuration, items may be stored in void 13 and convertiblecushion (10) carried like a backpack using strap 28 and strap 30. Asbest viewed in FIG. 8, the ends of strap 28 and strap 30 are associatedwith the perimeter of second portion (12) so as to span across section(22 a) and section (22 b) respectively. When the convertible cushion(10) is folded and zipped as described above, the configuration shown inFIG. 7 is achieved.

Collapsible Chair Support

Referring now to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, yet alternativeembodiment of convertible cushion (10) is presented. FIG. 9 shows atypical prior art collapsible chair typically used by people viewingoutdoor events. One problem with such chairs relates to their “deep”sitting position. Such chairs typically have a sitting position that istoo deep causing the back of the user's legs to press against the crosssection (42), which over time, becomes uncomfortable. Yet anotherproblem is that getting out of such a seating position, especially forolder users, can be difficult. To address such issues, convertiblecushion (10) is configured with a support board of a predefined size.FIG. 10 is a side view of a convertible cushion (10) configured with anexternal pocket configured for receiving a support board (44). As bestseen in FIG. 11, convertible cushion (10) is configured with a supportboard (44) that defines a length-1 (48) that is long enough to spanacross the length (46) of prior art collapsible chair (40). Similarly,as best seen in FIG. 12, the length-2 (52) of support board (44) is justless than the length (50) of collapsible chair (40) thereby allowingsuch a convertible cushion to be associated with collapsible chairs asshown in the above cite figures.

For most prior art collapsible chairs (40), the length (46) is about 21inches and the length (50) is about 16 inches. Consequently, for thepresently preferred embodiment, convertible cushion (10) is configuredwith a pocket sized to receive a support board (44) that has a supportboard length-1 (46) of greater than about 21 inches and a support boardlength-2 (52) of less than about 16 inches. For the preferredembodiment, the support board length-3 (52) is about 15 inches and thesupport board length-1 (46) is about 21 inches.

Notably, such a convertible cushion (10) may also be used as cushionthat rests on typical cement bleachers in stadiums where sporting eventsare held. For such situation, the cement bleachers supply a supportsurface that may be wet, sticky, and dirty/muddy. Support board (44)supplies a gap between the convertible cushion bottom surface and thesupport surface.

Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatsupport board (44) supplies a flat sitting surface in areas where thesupport surface is not level.

Convertible Cushion with Blanket Feature

Referring now to FIG. 13, another exemplary embodiment of the inventionis presented where convertible cushion (10) provides a blanket featurewhile configured as a cushion. For such embodiment, first portion (11)is divided into two sections, first portion section (11 a) and firstportion section (11 b). As depicted in FIG. 13, such division ispreferably made along imagery line (18) and first portion section (11 b)preferably has a width of 2 W while first portion section (11 a) has awidth of W. For such an embodiment, when the convertible cushion (10) isfolded and only zipped part way as depicted in FIG. 6, the fold definedby first portion section (11 b) may be pulled out of void 13 and used asa blanket by a pet, for example, that is lying on convertible cushion(10) as depicted in FIG. 1. Notably, for one alternative embodiment,first portion (11) may be configured as in FIG. 3 and portion section(11 b) may be a separate blanket section that is mechanically associatedwith the perimeter of first portion (11) to achieve the configurationdepicted in FIG. 13.

Additionally, a perimeter edge of portion (11 b) and second portion (12)may be associated with an attachment device such as hook and loop. Asdepicted in FIG. 13, at least a portion of the surface of portionsection (11 b) at the perimeter of portion section (11 b) is associatedwith attachment device 14L (loops). Similarly, at least a portion of thesurface of the opposite side of second portion (12), at the perimeter ofsecond portion (12), is associated with attachment device 14 h (hooks).For such a configuration, the blanket portion (portion section (11 b)may be mechanically associated with second portion (12) when convertiblecushion (10) is partially folded and the blanket portion pull out ofvoid (23). Such a configuration would form a flap to secure items invoid (23).

Pocket Version

Referring now to FIG. 14 through 23, novel ornamental and utilitarianfeatures of one alternative embodiment of the invention is presented.FIG. 14 is an elevated perspective view of the ornamental features ofone alternative embodiment thereof where the bed is folded. FIG. 15 isan elevated perspective view of a first surface (69) of the unfolded bedin FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is an elevated perspective view of a second opposingsurface showing a pocket at the first end and first attachment elementsat the opposing second end. FIG. 17 is an elevational view of a firstside elevation while FIG. 18 is an elevational view of a second side.FIG. 19 is a first end elevation and FIG. 20 is a elevational view ofthe opposing second end. FIG. 21 is a plan view of the first surfacewhile FIG. 22 is a plan view of the opposing second surface thereof.FIG. 23 is an elevated perspective view of the second surface of FIG. 16where the pocket at is more open showing second attachment elementsthereunder.

Referring now to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a convertible cushion ispresented. The converter cushion (60) comprises a first foldable portion(68) defining a first surface (69) composed of a first material andhaving a perimeter that defines a first rectangle (although any shapemay be used) and an opposing second foldable portion (70) defining asecond surface (71) composed of a second material and having a perimeterthat defines a second rectangle that is similar to the first rectangle.Notably, similar polygons have the same shape but can be differentsizes. Any polygonal shape may be used and can be a function ofornamental considerations along with surface criteria.

The second foldable portion (70) is associated with and disposedadjacent to a surface of said first foldable portion (68) so that thesecond foldable portion (70) covers one side of the first foldableportion (68) and wherein the four corners of the first rectangle are insubstantial alignment with the four corners of the second rectangle asdepicted in FIG. 15 so one side of the first foldable portion defines afirst surface (69) and one side of the second foldable portion definesan opposing second surface (70).

At least one first attachment device (72) is associated with one end ofthe second surface and at least one second attachment device (74) isassociated with the opposing end of the second surface where in thesecond attachment device is configured to be mechanically associatedwith said first attachment device. Notably the attachment devices aredisposed along their respect ends so that when the configurable cushion(60) is folded so that the first and second attachment devices aremechanically associated together, the corners of the configurablecushion (60) are in alignment as depicted in FIG. 14.

It will be appreciated that the attachment devices may be any suitableattachment devices such as Velcro®, snaps, zippers, etc. and theselection thereof may be more a function of aesthetic considerationsthan utilitarian considerations.

For one embodiment, a pocket (62) is disposed at one end of the secondsurface and suitably sized to cover the associated attachment device(either the first attachment device or the second attachment device) asdepicted in FIG. 14.

As described above, the surface of the first foldable portion (70)preferably defines a softer surface compared to the surface of saidsecond foldable portion and defines a protective layer constructed froma durable material that is washable. For one embodiment, themultipurpose convertible cushion (60) the first foldable portion isconfigured with a second pocket suitably sized to receive a supportboard that is about 21 inches long and 15 inches wide.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by wayof limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion ofsuch modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subjectmatter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible cushion for use by an animal, saidconvertible cushion comprising: a first foldable portion composed of afirst material and having a perimeter that defines a first geometricfigure when unfolded; a second foldable portion composed of a secondmaterial and having a perimeter that defines a second geometric figurethat is similar to but smaller than said fist geometric figure when saidsecond foldable portion is unfolded; wherein said second foldableportion is associated with and disposed adjacent to part of the surfaceof said first foldable portion so that said that the perimeter of saidsecond geometric figure is in at least partial alignment with said firstgeometric figure to define an integral blanket; and an attachment deviceassociated with the perimeter of said second foldable portion so thatsaid first foldable portion and said second foldable portion may befolded to form a cushion thereby defining a device that is one of ablanket or a cushion.
 2. A convertible cushion for use by an animal asin claim 1, wherein said attachment device is a zipper.
 3. A convertiblecushion for use by an animal as in claim 2, wherein the surface of saidsecond foldable portion defines a softer surface compared to the surfacedefined by said first foldable portion.
 4. A convertible cushion for useby an animal as in claim 3, wherein the surface of said first foldableportion defines a protective layer from a durable material that iswashable while providing a fortified fluid resistant shell configured todeliver a lightweight, seam sealed, breathable layer.
 5. A convertiblecushion for use by an animal as in claim 4, wherein a second attachmentdevice is associated with the perimeter of said first foldable portionnot associated with said second portion.
 6. A convertible cushion foruse by an animal as in claim 2, further comprising two strap connectorsconfigured for being mechanically associated with a strap and whereinsaid zipper further defines one said strap connector.
 7. A convertiblecushion for use by an animal as in claim 1, further comprising two“backpack” type shoulder straps associated with the perimeter of saidsecond foldable portion so that each should strap spans across the widthof such second foldable portion.
 8. A convertible cushion for use by ananimal as in claim 1, wherein the section of said first foldable portionnot associated with said second foldable portion is divided into a firstsection and a second section and wherein said first section is longerthan the length of said second section.
 9. A convertible cushion for useby an animal as in claim 2, wherein said convertible cushion defines adog bed in the folded and zipped configuration and defines a blanket inthe unfolded configuration.
 10. A convertible cushion for use by ananimal as in claim 9, wherein the first foldable portion and the secondfoldable portion are constructed from material that may be washedwithout damaging such potions.
 11. A convertible cushion for use by ananimal as in claim 9, wherein said first foldable portion is configuredwith a pocket suitably sized to receive a support board that is about 21inches long and 15 inches wide.
 12. A convertible cushion comprising: afirst foldable portion composed of a first material and having aperimeter that defines a first rectangle; a second foldable portioncomposed of a second material and having a perimeter that defines asecond similar rectangle to said first rectangle; wherein said secondfoldable portion is mechanically associated with and disposed adjacentto a surface of said first foldable portion to define an integralcomponent so that said second foldable portion covers one side of saidfirst foldable portion and wherein four corners of said first rectangleare in substantial alignment with the four corners of said secondrectangle so that said first foldable portion defines a first surfaceand said second foldable portion defines a second service; at least onefirst attachment device associated with one end of said second surface;and at least one second attachment device associated with the opposingend of said second surface wherein the second attachment device isconfigured to be mechanically associated with said first attachmentdevice and wherein said second attachment device and said secondattachment devices are disposed along their respective ends so that thecorners of the convertible cushion are in alignment when the at leastone first attachment device is mechanically associated with said atleast one second attachment device.
 13. A multipurpose convertiblecushion as in claim 12, further comprising a pocket disposed at one endof said second surface and suitably sized to cover said first attachmentdevice.
 14. A multipurpose convertible cushion as in claim 13, whereinsaid first surface defines a softer surface compared to the secondsurface.
 15. A multipurpose convertible cushion as in claim 14, whereinthe second surface defines a protective layer constructed from a durablematerial that is washable.
 16. A multipurpose convertible cushion as inclaim 15, wherein said first foldable portion is configured with asecond pocket suitably sized to receive a support board that is about 21inches long and 15 inches wide.